At 19:16, Lithuania declares a withdrawal of Russian ground forces stationed in Kaliningrad.
In the secluded Russian area of Kaliningrad, located on the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania, there's supposedly been a decrease in the quantity of ground forces present. This is according to Lithuania's military leader, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, who spoke to the news source "Delfi". He attributes this reduction to the Ukrainian conflict in Kursk's Russian area. When the conflict against Ukraine started, it was noticed that a considerable amount of equipment and personnel were shifted from Kaliningrad, the commander reported. Although troops have returned following rotation, a decrease among ground forces is now noticeable.
18:40 "What's the point of Armenians?" - Lukashenko incites protestsBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's remarks about Armenia have sparked demonstrations. Protesters tossed eggs at the Belarusian embassy in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on Wednesday, demanding the expulsion of the ambassador, as reported by Ukrainian media. Previously, Lukashenko criticized Armenia's pro-Western approach in Russian state television: "What use are the Armenians? None. Let them focus on developing their economy and relying on their own resources. What's France? Who's Macron? Tomorrow, when Macron is gone, everyone will forget the Armenians," he stated, referring to the French president. Relations between Armenia and Russia, its long-term ally, have become increasingly strained since Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in a military campaign in September, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
18:03 Ukraine reports fatalities from strike by guided bombTwo individuals were killed in the Sumy region, which borders Russia's Kursk region, in an attack involving two guided bombs, as reported by Ukraine's prosecutor's office. The targets of the Russian bombs were infrastructure components. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had visited Sumy on this day and stated that attacks on Sumy had reduced since parts of Kursk were seized.
17:28 Russian authorities: Fuel tanker catches fire after Ukrainian strikeA fuel tanker is burning in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region east of Crimea, as reported by local authorities. Prior to that, there was a Ukrainian attack, they claimed. Various Russian media outlets have shared images and videos of the fire and the black smoke plumes. Ukraine's armed forces have also shared such videos on social media. "Neptune visits the port of Kavkaz" is written on the Telegram channel of the armed forces. Unconfirmed reports from Russian Telegram channels suggest that the ship was struck by an anti-ship missile of the Ukrainian Neptune type. However, the official range of this weapon is 300 kilometers. The front line is situated further away. Moscow utilizes the port extensively to supply its troops in its conflict against Ukraine.
16:41 Russian army claims another village captured near Pokrovsk, Ukraine claims victories in KurskThe Russian military reports that it has taken another village near Pokrovsk's eastern Ukrainian city. Troops are now approximately ten kilometers from Pokrovsk, a significant logistics center. Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had announced plans to reinforce troops in the Pokrovsk area. Now, he reports victories in Russia's Kursk region. Troops have taken another village and "boosted the exchange fund" – captured more Russian soldiers. According to these reports, Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. But, these claims have not been verified independently.
16:12 Ukraine denies attempted nuclear plant attack, warns of Russian deceptionUkraine refutes the claim by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces tried to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant the previous night. "This is a blatant lie," Andrii Kovalenko, head of the department for countering disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, wrote. The lie follows previous false claims by the Russians that Ukraine was planning a "nuclear provocation" at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, all signs point to Russia potentially carrying out this provocation instead, Kovalenko continues. He deems the "risk of a nuclear provocation by Russia" genuine, given Putin's involvement.
15:21 Putin Levels Blame at Ukraine for Nuclear Plant Assault AttemptRussian President Vladimir Putin points the finger at Ukraine for attempting to assault the Kursk nuclear power plant. Putin claims that the adversary attempted an attack on the nuclear power plant during the previous night, yet fails to provide proof. He mentions that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been alerted about the situation during a televised cabinet assembly. The IAEA had previously warned about the potential consequences of conflict on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise the utmost restraint." Find out more details here.
14:50 IAEA Chief Prepares for Kursk Nuclear Power Plant VisitThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s head, Rafael Grossi, plans to visit the Russian nuclear power plant situated in Kursk the following week. An IAEA representative verified this visit arrangement for the upcoming week. In early August, Ukrainian forces initiated a significant offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Subsequently, Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom expressed concern about a risk to the nuclear power plant due to Ukrainian attacks, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Manturov Announces 115,000 People Evacuated from Russian Regions Near Ukrainian BorderA total of 115,000 individuals have been evacuated from the endangered Russian regions situated close to the Ukrainian border, according to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. He stated this during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. The extent of the current damage to agriculture and industry due to the Ukrainian offensive is being evaluated, he added.
14:00 Tusk Believes in Modi's Capacity to Mediate in Ukraine ConflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supports the notion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acting as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. "I am delighted that the Prime Minister has once again expressed his readiness to participate in efforts leading to a peaceful, fair, and prompt resolution of the conflict," Tusk noted following discussions with Modi in Warsaw. Modi's mediation initiative is substantial considering his upcoming visit to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains neutrality towards the Russian invasion and does not support economic sanctions imposed against Moscow.
13:40 Scholz Skeptic about Limited Kursk IncursionGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz anticipates that the Ukrainian advance in Russia will be "a spatially and temporally limited operation." However, ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald noted that there is currently no proof supporting this belief. "On the contrary," she says in her latest report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Russian Aircraft Destroyed in Sawaslejka AttacksUkrainian attacks on the Sawaslejka airbase reportedly resulted in the destruction of several Russian aircraft. State-owned Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported this information, citing intelligence sources. In the August 16 attack, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were allegedly destroyed, with approximately five aircraft (presumably MiG-31K/I) suffering damage. In the August 13 attack, a fuel and lubricant depot was hit, causing damage to an additional MiG-31K/I.
13:06 FSB Investigates CNN Journalists for Border Crossing in Kursk RegionThe Russian domestic security agency FSB has reportedly initiated criminal investigations against several foreign journalists, including a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian women, for crossing the border illegally while filming in the Kursk region controlled by Ukrainian forces. The FSB alleges that the journalists violated the border and are expected to be issued international arrest warrants and face up to five years in imprisonment. Recent events include the liberation of American journalist Evan Gershkovich from Russian detention as part of a prisoner exchange, following his conviction on espionage charges and sentencing to 16 years in a labor camp. Read further information here.
12:34 Zelensky in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" ExpandedUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian forces advanced against Russia more than two weeks ago. He reported that another town in the Kursk region had been seized by the Ukrainian forces, and the "exchange fund" had been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers in exchange for Ukrainians held in Russian captivity. Zelensky recognized that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and civilian casualties there have decreased. He shared footage of himself with the commander-in-chief of Ukrainian forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who briefed him on reinforcements in eastern Ukraine, where Russia continues to advance. Find more details here.
12:06 Possible Spying Reported in Brunsbüttel: Suspected Russian Drones DetectedThe "Bild" newspaper reports of suspected Russian drones being detected over Brunsbüttel's largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. Over the past few days, drones have been spotted flying at high speeds above the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, infringing upon a no-fly zone. The State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating potential espionage and sabotage cases. Internally, police reportedly detected a hostile object, believed to be a military drone. The "Bild" also mentions that the drones are supposedly operated by Russian agents and may be launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Learn more about this story here.
11:40 The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv alerts of an elevated threat of air assaults imminently. This warning comes before Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24th. According to the embassy's announcement on its website, there's a potential for Russia to bomb Ukraine with drones and missiles within the subsequent days and weekend. With Ukraine commemorating its 33rd year of independence from the Soviet Union, this annual celebration carries added significance following the initiation of the Ukrainian conflict more than two years ago. Intriguingly, Ukrainian troops have recently extended into Russian territory in the Kursk border region, causing Russian President Vladimir Putin to brand it as a provocation and promise retaliation.
11:13 A blaze erupts at a Russian military base located in Marinovka, Volgograd's southern region. Neighbors attest to hearing explosions. Russian officials attribute the incident to a Ukrainian drone attack; however, no fatalities have been recorded.
10:41 In the Russian border region of Kursk, authorities are erecting prefabricated shelters for civilians in anticipation of potential attacks. Giving a statement on Telegram, regional governor Alexei Smirnov explains, "As per my orders, the Kursk district administration has assigned specific locations for the installation of prefabricated modular bunkers." Construction work is underway at populous neighborhoods like approximately 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photograph of a truck carrying a bunker block. Additionally, these shelters are being constructed in two other areas, including Kursk, which is the location of the Kursk district's nuclear power plant. Russian officials claim that Ukraine intends to assault this facility, yet Ukraine vehemently denies such accusations.
10:10 Ukraine discloses details of unsuccessful Russian incursions near the metropolis of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pledges to heighten troops in the region. Concurrently, the progress in the Kursk region continues.
10:09 Russian authorities report the interception of Ukrainian air assaults in the western part of the country. According to Volgograd regional governor Andrei Bocharov, "The vast majority of drones were annihilated" during an assault close to Marinovka (refer to the 07:30 entry). In the Kursk border region, regional governor Alexei Smirnov divulges, "Two Ukrainian missiles and a drone were brought down by Russian air defense." In Rostov, further south, governor Vasily Golubev reveals that an attack featuring five drones was thwarted. Drones are also said to have been neutralized in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
10:08 Kyiv seeks formal approval from the U.S. for employing long-range weapons against Russian targets. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives, discussing the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the utilization of long-range weapons against Russian targets. Umerov stated, "I emphasized the necessity of obtaining permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia at once. This is crucial for protecting our peaceful metropolitan regions and rural communities."
08:36 American actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," spearheads a fundraising mission for robot mine clearers intended for Ukraine. Hamill, in conjunction with Eastern Europe specialist Timothy Snyder, aims to elevate $441,000 through their initiative dubbed "Safe Terrain." These robots can unearth mines in hard-to-reach regions without exposing operators to risk. Snyder explicated, "One of Russia's most severe transgressions in Ukraine has been the scattering of numerous mines. By visiting undeveloped zones near the front, individuals hazardously help others in reclaiming their lands and homes. These robots have the potential to clear mines, thereby saving lives."
08:01 The Kremlin rallies Russians for preparing to adapt to a "new reality" and "new normal." The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk poses a challenge to Moscow's propaganda, underscoring that the enemy has breached Russian territory, despite being on the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the Kremlin is attempting to instill calm within Russians by encouraging them to transform pessimism and shock into positive action, specifically by donating relief supplies to the Kursk region. Most officials interviewed by Meduza expect the battling in the Kursk region to persist for months. As a government-linked source declared, this estimate carries an optimistic biase if everything goes well.
Russian authorities affirm reports indicating a military base in the southern area of Volgograd has experienced a fire following an alleged Ukrainian drone strike. Governor Andrei Bocharov, communicating via Telegram, specified that the drone collided with the facility.fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. Bocharov failed to disclose which military installation was impacted. However, he declared that the village of Marinovka was the target of the assault, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Ex-National Security Advisor: Putin Exerted Near-Hypnotic Influence Over TrumpFormer U.S. National Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, claims in his book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House" (as reported by "The Guardian") that Russian President Vladimir Putin was successful in manipulating former U.S. President Donald Trump. McMaster maintains that Putin exploited Trump's ego and insecurities through flattery. Putin allegedly labeled Trump as an "extraordinary person, beyond any doubt," exerting a near-hypnotic influence on him. McMaster served as Trump's national security advisor for approximately a year and had cautioned Trump about Putin: "Mr. President, he is the world's best liar." McMaster suggested Putin believed he could 'play' with Trump and achieve the easing of sanctions and a low-cost withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
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06:20 Alleged Fire on Russian Airbase in VolgogradOvernight, loud explosions were reportedly heard in the Russian city of Kalach on the Don, situated in the Volgograd area. Various Russian Telegram channels imply that these incidents were sparked by a drone attack. Reports claim that a fire broke out near an airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers south of Moscow. Officials suspect that the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, approximately 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don, may have been the intended target. Witnesses in the area reported hearing between six and ten powerful explosions, accompanied by common drone noises, according to Telegram.
05:44 Germany Committed to Providing New Aid for Ukraine if NecessarySPD leader Lars Klingbeil has offered continued assistance for Ukraine. If it isn't feasible to distribute the planned billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funding, Klingbeil states in the podcast of deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We cannot reach a point where we say, 'Now there's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil notes. In such a scenario, Germany would be obligated to search for financial resources within its borders, as we have a responsibility toward Ukraine. Solutions must be found, and we will discover them."
04:27 Ukrainian Military Intelligence Reports on Targets of Russian Drone StrikesThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has addressed the objectives of the drone strikes in Russia overnight. They were aimed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, notes HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to military platform "The War Zone." Approximately 50 drones were involved. Determining the extent of any damage is currently underway. Russian officials reported in the morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
03:09 Russian Poll Workers to Receive Body Armor and Helmets for ElectionsIn the highly contested Russia border region of Kursk, Russia plans to arm poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for the upcoming early regional elections. Additional polling stations are also being established in various areas of the country for people who have left the region, reports Tatiana Malachova, the head of the regional election commission, as disseminated by Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are planned for September 6 to 8 in multiple Russian regions. The central election commission in Moscow determined that citizens in border regions may vote early, including in the regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
01:34 Fico Feels Pressured by Western Democracies' Foreign Policy StancesSlovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico feels pressured by what he perceives as a unified opinion in Western democracies on significant foreign policy issues. He expressed these thoughts in a statement commemorating the 1968 Moscow invasion anniversary, noting that those who deviate from this consensus are "arbitrarily pressured and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. In the statement, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the current pressure on diverse opinions in Europe today. Fico opposes EU military assistance to Ukraine and has faced criticism for being pro-Russian.
00:12 Ukraine Repels 44 out of 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine claims to have repelled 44 out of 46 Russian assaults along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine over the span of a day. According to the General Staff, combat is still ongoing at two other sections as of 9 PM CET. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers being wounded or killed. No casualty count was provided for the Ukrainian forces. Russia has not yet released a statement.
23:09 Russia: Intercepted Ukrainian Infiltration in Bryansk AnnouncedRussia announces the interception of an attempted infiltration by Ukrainian "agitators" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which border Kursk. The attempted infiltration of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was halted by agents from the Russian FSB security service and Russian military units, as per a Telegram post from Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk. "They received a swift and fierce response," the post revels. The situation is now "under control."
21:52 Putin Commends Strong Trade Relations with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the enhanced cooperation with China, stating, "Our commerce relations are flourishing (...). Both governments' dedication towards commerce and economic relations is showing results," during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "ambitious joint plans and ventures in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin further adds. Li, as per the Kremlin, expresses that China-Russia relations are at an "unprecedented height." The strategic alliance between Russia and China has grown stronger since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China is a vital trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Appeal Denied: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Remains in JailFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov remains incarcerated on corruption charges. His plea for house detention under strict conditions and appeal against his detention have been rejected, as reported by state news agency TASS. Bulgakov oversaw procurement for the Russian armed forces before his dismissal. The Moscow court also orders the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company allegedly accepted nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, causing approximately 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros) in damage.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Forces in Pokrovsk RegionAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is bolstering its military presence in the fiercely contested Pokrovsk region in the east of the country. He stresses in a televised address that they are aware of Russian troops' intentions there. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk persists, Zelenskyy says, with certain areas under Ukrainian control. He does not offer more details.
20:41 Following Decree: Many Ukrainians in Hungary Face Shelter EvictionsAfter the enforcement of a Hungarian decree that denies general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, several Ukrainians in Hungary are at risk of losing their shelter. Private refugee shelters have already started evicting Ukrainians, reports humanitarian organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, largely Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia with a significant Hungarian minority, must relocate under police supervision.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is concerned about the potential consequences of conflict on the Kursk nuclear power plant and has urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint. The Commission, likely referring to international bodies, is urged to do so to prevent any escalation of the situation.
Following the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, the Russian military is reportedly shifting equipment and personnel from Kaliningrad. This is a strategy employed by The Commission to strengthen its position in the Ukrainian conflict in the Kursk region, as reported by Lithuania's military leader, Raimundas Vaikšnoras.
